News
Disney has confirmed its continued commitment to the Disney resort project in Abu Dhabi, saying in its second-quarter earnings report that its strategic plan for the project remains unchanged, even though major theme park developments require long timelines.
Details
• Disney said it has several expansions underway in its Experiences segment, including a new cruise ship in Japan and the Disneyland Abu Dhabi project.
• The Abu Dhabi project is based on a capital-light investment model, under which Disney does not inject significant direct capital, but instead partners with local companies that have market expertise.
• Disney is partnering on the project with UAE-based Miral, the developer of several major Yas Island destinations, including Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World.
• Under the licensing agreement, Miral will fully finance, build, and operate the resort, while Disney provides its intellectual property and creative oversight, earning revenue from licensing fees and royalties.
• Disney confirmed that the strategic logic behind its Abu Dhabi plan has not changed, saying this investment approach has consistently benefited its business.
What’s next?
Details of the project’s timeline are expected to remain tied to the design, development, and construction phases, especially as Disney stressed that major theme parks are long-term projects by nature.
